The Environmental Health Officers at the Department of Environmental Health (DEH) work hard with communities to address issues of public and environmental health. As a part of this work DEH continues their initiative to remove derelict vehicles from the streets and off the islands.

Though this service was suspended during the COVID-19 lockdown, operations resumed following the lifting of curfew and during the month of July DEH teams have removed more than fifty (50) derelict vehicles from locations in all districts with work continuing.

As they carry out this important work, DEH reminds the community that dumping of derelict or unwanted vehicles on public land or the streets is anti-social and poses risks to the public’s safety and the environment. It is also an offence under the litter law, and liable of conviction of a fine of five hundred dollars (CI$500) or imprisonment for six (6) months.

If a vehicle has reached the end of its serviceable life or is intended to be discarded, the owner should ensure they are disposed of responsibly. 

The first step should be to terminate the vehicle license with the Department of Vehicle and Drivers Licensing (DVDL) and arrange for the vehicle to be taken to the Georgetown Landfill. Once at the landfill, these vehicles are received, depolluted and crushed prior to shipping for recycling.

“We all have a responsibility to ensure our waste is handled, recycled or disposed of without bringing harm or nuisance to those around us. There are proper avenues to safely dispose of bulk items such as dilapidated cars. The DEH offers a grab truck collection service, which for $75, can collect your vehicle or for $100 per load any other bulk waste such as vegetation, appliances, etc and ensure it is responsibly handled and off the streets for the betterment of our communities,” said Michael Haworth, Assistant Director – Solid Waste Management.

For more information on the collection of bulk waste including derelict cars please visit www.deh.gov.ky.